[Ali43555]

Hi,

I attend an ivy league university with a heavy workload. I'm majoring in psychology. I have difficulty winding down at night despite being tired. I know this may sound bizarre, but I'm way too curious about the world (people and society). This keeps me up at night because I don't give myself a chance to relax without my electronics. I'm constantly on my laptop/iPhone googling aspects of society such as diseases, disorders, behaviors etc. I understand that it's normal to be curious, but I'm letting this affect my life. I only get 4 hours of sleep per night because I'm on my phone. Also, Id rather do this than my homework. Sometimes I neglect assignments just so I can google meaningless things that probably no one else thinks about. My lack of sleep is affecting my cognitive ability and my grades. I try to justify it by saying "at least I'm not playing video games" or something along those lines. However I still need advice on how to change my habits. Why do I operate like this? None of my friends at school have this issue. Thanks in advance.

[mazing]

It is actually quite common to not be able to wind down. A lot of people struggle with it. It may not be for exactly the same reason with the research but it is still pretty common.

Have you tried any relaxation techniques? For some people they can work extremely well. Try focusing on relaxing your body slowly. It gives you something else to focus on and can help you relax.

Also, from my previous work I found that a lot of people with sleep difficulties could overcome it in time with a strict bedtime routine. As a psych major you may have learnt that your body can associate actions and feelings with different routines and objects. Even if you can't sleep it might be worth starting a night time ritual. Eg. getting changed into pjs, brushing teeth, reading for 1/2 hour and then trying to sleep. If you find after 1/2 hour you can't sleep get up, have a drink and start the ritual again. It may sound weird but in time you can train your body in that ritual and that it means time for bed. With that, if possible try to leave your bed as only for sleep - don't sit and do your research in bed at any time of the day.

Not sure if this helps but I hope it can. I know a lot of people who have been able to overcome their issues falling asleep in time using similar techniques